Youth Programs
Every child and teen should have a bike.
Youth are empowered at BBP through bicycle access, hands-on maintenance education, and safe riding practices. Our mission is to ensure every child has the opportunity to experience the freedom and independence that comes with riding a bike.
Email BBP’s Programs Director, Benton Smith (benton@boisebicycleproject.org), or call 208-429-6520 if you have any questions/would like to be involved with our programs below.
Youth Bike Giveaways
The Boise Bicycle Project’s youth bike giveaways are transformative - providing kids and teens with their very own bicycles. Each giveaway program is a community-driven effort, where donated bikes are lovingly refurbished by mechanics and volunteers and then redistributed to the community.
Sliding Scale Kids Bikes
Ages 4-11
Available for children aged 4–11, these bikes are offered on a sliding scale from $25 to $75, including a bicycle, helmet, light, and lock. Families can choose the amount that is meaningful to them. Purchases can be made during regular business hours. This program is presented in partnership with St. Luke’s Community Health Improvement Fund.
Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway
Ages 4 -11
Each December, the Boise Bicycle Project provides over 600 "dream bikes” to kids who otherwise wouldn’t have one. Local organizations refer children who need a bike, and kids draw their "dream bike" to help us customize donated bikes to match their drawings.
URGENT NEED BIKES
Ages 4 - 18
Bikes for youth aged 4–18 facing urgent transportation needs due to homelessness, resettlement, or other critical circumstances.
Contact Benton Smith at (benton@boisebicycleproject.org) to inquire.
Bicycle & Safety Hour (BASH)
Ages 4 - 11
BASH is a drop-in safety class where kids can learn to ride a bike and understand the rules of the road, all while earning a referral for a free kids' bike! We set up a fun and interactive traffic garden using chalk, ropes, and cones to teach essential traffic safety skills.
Youth Bike Repair & Education
Our youth bike repair and education programs are designed to empower kids and teens with the skills and confidence to maintain their bicycles while fostering independence and problem-solving abilities. From hands-on repair nights and mobile maintenance services to in-depth apprenticeship opportunities, we provide a range of programs for youth of all ages and skill levels. Whether learning the basics of bike mechanics, earning a bike, or gaining vocational experience, these programs ensure every young rider has the tools to thrive on two wheels.
Teen Earn-a-Bike
Ages 12 - 17
This monthly program teaches teens aged 12–17 the basics of bicycle mechanics in a four-part series. Participants graduate with a bike they built themselves!
Kids’ Fix-It Night
Ages 17 and Under
Every Thursday, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, for youth 17 and under. Work with volunteer mechanics to repair or maintain bikes free of charge.
Mobile Fix-It
All Ages
From March to October, we bring the bike shop to you! Our Mobile Fix-It Trailer visits schools, community centers, and apartment complexes to provide free bike maintenance for kids.
Ages 16+
Boise Bicycle Project offers paid and unpaid apprenticeships for teens looking to gain work experience in areas such as peer mentorship, customer assistance, and youth development.
Paid Apprenticeships
Supported through funds from the Idaho Department of Labor, these opportunities are available to participants who meet specific criteria:Ages 16–24.
Not currently enrolled in high school or college.
Not currently employed.
Participants approved for funding can earn 520 hours of work in BBP's program, paid at $15/hour.
Unpaid Apprenticeships
Designed for teens seeking a more flexible schedule, these apprenticeships teach industry-level bike mechanic skills while providing opportunities to develop vocational skills in various areas.
Teen Apprenticeship Program
Open Bench Time
Ages 17 and Under
Youth 17 and under can drop by and learn to fix their own bikes for free during these sessions:
School Year: Wednesday–Friday, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Summer: Wednesday–Friday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Reservation Partnerships
We are proud to partner with the Fort Hall Reservation and Duck Valley Reservations to provide bicycles and bike maintenance services to youth. These partnerships ensure that children and teenagers in these communities have access to reliable transportation, opportunities for recreation, and tools to maintain their bikes.